Damper with Cocky’s Joy

Damper with Cocky’s Joy

Ingredients

3 cups self-raising flour

1-2 teaspoons salt

90 grams butter, melted

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup milk

Flour, extra, for dusting

Butter extra for serving

Golden Syrup (Cocky’s Joy)

Method

Preheat oven to a moderately hot 210°C (410°F). Place some Baking Paper on an oven tray and spray with oil. Sift Flour and salt into a large mixing bowl; make a well in the centre. Combine butter, water and milk and add to flour. Stir with a knife until just combined. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; kneed for 20 seconds or until smooth. Transfer dough to tray; press out to a 20 cm round. Using a sharp knife score into 8 sections 1 cm deep. Brush with milk; dust with flour. Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to moderate 180° C (356°F). Bake 15 minutes or until damper is golden and sounds hollow when tapped. Serve with extra butter and Cocky’s Joy.

Alternatively you can make a fire outdoors as the swagmen would have done. Dig a hole in the ground and place the embers from the fire in the bottom of the hole. Put the damper in a cast iron pot (with a handle) and place in the hole and pile the embers around the sides and top and cook.

You may also add cheese and herbs, olives or sun dried tomatoes. The swagmen would not have carried these ingredients but why not add these if you wish.